More Legends Are Immortalized!

Can you imagine if the famed Classic Superstars line returned? What if it had never ended? Both are true, from a certain point of view. Without getting too Obi-Wan for anyone, let’s explain. Several years ago Figures Toy Company started a wrestling figure line built nearly identically to the Jakks WWE “Ruthless Aggression” style figures that included Classic Superstars. FTC has broken their line into separate smaller lines including Rising Stars of Wrestling and Legends of Professional Wrestling. Several of the figures have been featured here on the blog over the years, but I couldn’t wait to take a look at the newest releases. All of the latest released names are either brand new to the figure world or haven’t had a plastic representation in years!

Today we’re looking at Dr. Tom Prichard, Brad Armstrong, Mr. Hughes and Savio Vega. Talk about four who would’ve easily fit right into a CS series. Actually, they would’ve been a lot better than some of the names that we did get. In any case, I’m particularly happy for Dr. Tom. He was such a good wrestler who saw action in virtually every promotion and territory. He became a great trainer and to this day remains one of my favorite names to see at conventions. A random conversation that the two of us had in Charlotte a few years ago will always stick with me. I could tell that his late best friend was on his mind while we spoke. That would be another legend getting a first figure here, Brad Armstrong.

Nothing has changed with the packaging aside from the names on the back which we’ll get to. The clear plastic clamshells are cool and different from anything you’ll find in the stores. The figures can be replaced into the packaging but you will have to readd twist and zip ties if you want it to look unopened. I love that the cardbacks inside of the clamshells have nothing attached to them whatsoever. The inner tray is a separate piece, so if you choose to keep just the card, as I do, you get a nice, clean card that you could easily display if you desired. Accessories with Hughes and Vega are inconspicuously included in small plastic baggies around the feet of the figure.

The facial likenesses on all four are really good. In fact, I would have to say that Savio is far better than he looked in the photography, for whatever reason. They really nailed him which is nice considering his only other figures, from the early Jakks Bone Crunching line, are rather bug-eyed. Dr. Tom is absolutely perfect and I can just see him primping his hair as Jim Cornette announces him. Hughes is perfectly ferocious looking. The glasses are part of the sculpt which is fine considering he wrestles with them on to this day. Armstrong is really good and, like with Prichard, the hair style is down pat.

Each figure has some amount of soft goods and they all look great. Tom and Brad each have real working zippers on their jackets. Hughes is decked out just as he wrestled and does include his hat. Savio has a gold chain and is ready to defend the Caribbean. 

The best part is that these fit right in with the Classic Superstars figures that so many of us have loads of. That line had political restrictions as does Mattel’s Legends line today. It’s a great thing that in this era we have companies like FTC that will give us names that other companies won’t touch. It allows us to flesh out our collections while, at the same time, giving recognition to some of the stars who never got this particular honor. I’ve wanted a Mr. Hughes figure since those WCW and WWF runs thirty years ago. Here he is, suspenders, scowl and all! And the guys like Prichard and Armstrong who you could honestly consider to be some of the last territorial greats? Whether you photography, play or just display, these are the names that you need to flesh out those rosters. The Hulk’s, Dusty’s and Savage’s of the world are great and we love all of their figures, but what are they without an undercard?

You know what else is great? There’s no pre-ordering here. These guys are ready to ship. As always, I highly recommend you go to FTC using our link right here and be sure to use our special code: JWS_WRESTLING_MEMORABILIA for 10 percent off. You can also pick up many other legendary names such as Louie Spicolli (another new release!), Alex Wright (reviewed right here a few months ago), The Sandman, Francine and Jim Cornette in just about another color combination that you can think of. Order the four that you see here (or any combination of four or more) and you’ll even get free shipping!

What’s next from FTC? It’s been known about for awhile, but I loved seeing Dennis Condrey on the back of the card. He’ll be joining the line soon with his very first action figure along with Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane. I will continue to ask for a “wrestling tights” version of James E. Cornette, also. We’ll truly be in for some Smoky Mountain madness when that happens…

2012--Another Year In The Books

 "Time marches on."  The phrase and thought have always unsettled me.  I tend to live in the past just a bit, but why not?  People, concepts, and many other things that are long gone in the present can live forever in the memories of the past.  The wrestling world lost a number of those very people in 2012.  People that, through their memorable contributions to the wrestling industry, are ensured to never truly be forgotten.

This year's list of wrestling-related deaths includes "Freebird" Buddy Jack Roberts, Rip Hawk, Red Bastien, Joe Blanchard, Mike "California Hippie" Boyette, Chief Jay Strongbow, Dick Woehrle, Doug Furnas, Siegfried Stanke, Dara Singh, Gorgeous George Jr., Savannah Jack, Hans Schmidt, Rita Cortez, Brad Armstrong, David Deaton, Mike Graham, Gordon Nelson, "Hangman" Bobby Jaggers, and the original, male, Awesome Kong.

It's hard to believe that just two summers ago in Charlotte, NC, the original Hollywood Blonds reunited with their manager Sir Oliver Humperdink at Greg Price's Legends Fanfest.  Buddy Roberts and Jerry Brown were the original tag team to use the Hollywood Blond name long before Steve Austin and Brian Pillman.  Brown was missing from the wrestling fraternity for nearly three decades but was found in early 2010 after a chance meeting with Humperdink.  The trio was ultimately reunited to the delight of the men themselves and fans alike at Fanfest.  With the passing of Humperdink just months later in 2011, this turned out to be their only reunion.

Roberts was also part of a trio that shot to even greater heights in wrestling history--The Fabulous Freebirds.  Along with Michael P.S. Hayes and the late Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy, Roberts tore up rings in the NWA, AWA, and even briefly the WWF, but it was their feud in WCCW with the Von Erich family that has become stuff of legend.

Another legend of wrestling in the Lone Star State was Joe Blanchard.  A man who held just about every job in the business from wrestler to promoter, Blanchard was held in high esteem by fellow wrestlers and fans alike.  Blanchard's Southwest Championship Wrestling promotion is still remembered fondly by fans, but his work spreading the word of God is what he was undoubtedly most proud of.  Son Tully has followed in his father's footsteps both in the wrestling ring and church.

Perhaps the wrestling passing that received the most attention in 2012 was that of Joe Scarpa, better known to fans as Chief Jay Strongbow.  Despite having an extensive career before taking on the identity of a Native American Chief, Joe Scarpa reached fame that many wrestlers only dream about as Jay Strongbow.  A household name in the northeast, Strongbow was the man to beat for heel wrestlers wanting to reach the top ranks.  If a ring villain could get through the Chief, shots at champions like Bruno Sammartino were suddenly within reach.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of 2012's wrestling losses, but simply a chance to relive a handful of memories provided by these folks.  We offer our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of all of 2012's fallen heroes.